The Construction of the Port of Centumcellae and Its Ships: Exhibition in Civitavecchia

Do you remember the wonderful Navalia project exhibition at the port of Civitavecchia? It’s finally back!

From August 9, 2025 to July 31, 2026, at the port of Civitavecchia (Calata Principe Tommaso 20), right next to Porta Livorno, you can visit the fascinating exhibition “The Construction of the Port of Centumcellae and Its Ships.”

Organized by the Naval Archaeological Study Center (CASN), directed by Mario Palmieri, the exhibition is sponsored by the Port System Authority and supported by the Civitavecchia Coast Guard.

The exhibition is open every day (Sundays by reservation) from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Admission is €3, guided tours €6, free entry for children up to 6 years old.

The Exhibition on the Construction of the Port of Centumcellae and Its Ships

The exhibition takes visitors on a true journey into the past, exploring ancient shipwrecks and unique archaeological finds. Through these discoveries, scholars present reconstruction hypotheses of working machines and naval systems, offering a fascinating look into Roman maritime engineering.

This historical journey reveals the extraordinary skills and navigation technologies that allowed the Romans to sail and “conquer” seas and oceans across the ancient world.

The focus of the exhibition is the reconstruction and storytelling of engineering techniques and monumental structures of the ancient Roman port of Centumcellae, the starting point of Civitavecchia’s long-standing maritime vocation.

Inside the Exhibition on the Construction of the Port of Centumcellae and Its Ships

The exhibition is not only a deep dive into ancient navigation technologies, but also explores the fascinating theme of artificial port construction. Visitors will discover the influence of the great architects of antiquity on the development of the port of Civitavecchia.

Among them are Apollodorus of Damascus, who designed the port of Centumcellae in Portus (Fiumicino), as well as Vitruvius and Leonardo da Vinci, whose knowledge of ancient building systems still inspires modern studies of maritime engineering.

This cultural exhibition highlights the heritage of Roman engineering and naval architecture, making it a must-see attraction for history and archaeology lovers visiting Civitavecchia.

The exhibition also features special meetings and workshops dedicated to naval and monumental archaeology, as well as the study of onboard technology from the Republican and Imperial Roman fleets.

A must-visit cultural experience in Civitavecchia for history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike!